As they began walking, Verity looked back over her shoulder towards the cottage. ‘Who lives there?’
Sam followed her gaze, and she was sure he bristled.
‘Pete,’ he replied. ‘He looks after the wildlife on the island and is in charge of the puffin census.’
‘Puffin Pete,’ said Verity. ‘I bet he’s not heard that before.’
Sam smiled. ‘Have you ever thought of being a stand-up comic?’
‘Humour is one of my talents… You’re kidding about a puffin census, right?’
‘Nope, the puffins get counted every year. It used to be every five years but now they keep a closer eye on the colony so they can see what’s changed season to season. It allows them to make important decisions to help protect the puffins.’
‘Because with no puffins it would just be called “The Island”. But how do you know which ones have already been counted? They all look the same.’
‘I’m not quite sure. Pete is in charge of the census, overseeing the rangers.’
‘How many rangers?’
‘Usually around six to ten.’
‘I’ve just had the pleasure of meeting Pete.’ Knowing how close-knit communities could be, Verity decided not to share that it wasn’t the best first impression.
Sam nodded. ‘We don’t cross paths that often as we don’t have anything to do with one another.’ He looked as if he was going to add something but had changed his mind.
They carried on walking in silence. As soon as they set foot on the sand of Blue Water Bay, Sam unclipped Jimmy’s lead. He woofed as he chased the gulls off the sand and followed them straight into the water.
‘I wouldn’t like to be in your shoes, trying to get him in the bath. Have you ever tried one of those portable pet showers? I’ve got one in my van.’
‘I’m lucky if I have any shoes left, at the rate he likes to chew them! Why do you have a portable pet shower?’
‘I didn’t like the idea of not knowing when my next shower would be, so I pinched one from work.’
Sam raised his eyebrows.
‘I’m a veterinary assistant,’ she filled in quickly. ‘Well, I was up until yesterday. Now I’m officially unemployed, but by choice. I’ve thrown caution to the wind, rented out my house and am travelling with my friend Ava for the next six months.’
‘Oh right. I think you mentioned you were going to Amsterdam?’
‘Yes, that’s right. I’m catching the ferry early tomorrow morning.’
‘Make sure you stock up on sickbags and don’t eat anything after midnight.’
‘Good advice. Look at Jimmy! He’s heading towards that boat. Is that the restaurant?’
‘It is, The Sea Glass Restaurant, the glass-bottomed boat. Always making waves.’
‘I see what you did there.’
‘The interior is just as pretty as the outside. It’s got a nautical theme – polished wood, a blue and white colour scheme, a grand piano, and a private terrace at the bow with stunning views of the lighthouse, the ocean and the gorgeous harbour.’
‘You sound like an advert.’
Sam grinned. ‘I never miss an opportunity to sing its praises. It’s a shame you aren’t around a little longer to sample the experience, but we’re fully booked tonight.’
‘We?’
‘I’m the proprietor. I renovated the old boat. It once belonged to my grandfather and when I was eighteen it was given to me by my mother. She called it junk and couldn’t wait to get rid of it. I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it – create a floating restaurant. It’s now booked up three months in advance and even a few celebrities frequent the place.’
